Hartland Patch Whiz Kid of the Week — Chris Pentescu

Whiz Kid: Chris Pentescu
Grade: 11
School:
Team: Boys varsity golf
Parents: Denise and Nick Pentescu

Accomplishments: Chris is an honor student who has been playing varsity golf since he was a freshman. As someone who has had Type 1 diabetes since he was 4, Chris also is a youth ambassador for the American Diabetes Association. He has spoken to groups and served as a counselor during summer camps for children with diabetes at Camp Copneconic in the Fenton area.

Three keys to awesomeness:

1. Dedication — Denise Pentescu, Chris’ mom, said: “He has been golfing since he was 7 years old, and there are two golf bags currently in the living room, along with a divot in the rug that a coffee table covers. Golf is a sport that he and his dad can do together.”

2. Approach to managing diabetes — Watching what you eat and counting carbohydrates are important in managing the diabetes, Chris said.

“It could be worse," he said. "This disease is manageable, and you can live a normal life. I tell other kids with diabetes, don’t be mad at yourself over it. It’s not your fault you have this, and I try to be a role model for those kids. I am thinking that they look at me and say: ‘If Chris can do it, then so can I.’ ”

His mother gives credit to the team's coaches in helping him during competition.

Coach Nathan Oake said he doesn’t even think about Chris having diabetes anymore, as they have gotten into such a routine during the past three years of being together for checking his levels and making sure he continues to eat properly.

“Chris is just a great kid and a hard worker, both in the classroom and on the golf course," Oake said. "He has the quality of patience that helps him both in life and his golf game.”

3. Having heroes — Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are golfing role models Chris looks up to because they are respected not only for their golf game, but also for being themselves, he said. For Chris, that means striving to be available if people need his help, to be respectful and to set a good example through how he lives.

Future plans: After high school, Chris plans to attend a major university to study engineering. He is focused on his academics and to keep getting better in golf. Golf has helped him in everything he does, he said, and has taught him to keep his mind focused and emotions under control. And, he added, the sport is very humbling. 

“You might totally miss on one hole and then on the next get a birdie," he said. "There is always another hole.”

If you'd like to nominate a Whiz Kid, please contact Hartland Patch Editor Christofer Machniak at 810-623-1385 or by email at christofer.machniak@patch.com.